Check out our quick run-down of all the features on the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 USB 2.0 Audio Interface:

Wall-to-Wall I/O

The 18-in/20-out Scarlett 18i20 features 6 combination XLR/jack mic/line inputs on the back panel, and 2 front-panel XLR/jack mic/line/instrument inputs with 10 dB pad switches -- perfect for plugging in a direct guitar or bass as you sit in the studio. You'll find 2 headphone outputs right on the front panel. The unit's 10 analog line outputs are perfect for hybrid studios with racks of analog gear. You also get ADAT and S/PDIF for 10 channels of digital I/0, plus MIDI I/O and Word Clock out for digital synchronization.

The 18i20's ADAT port lets you bring in 8 more digital sources. Got external mic preamps and A/D converters? Run them all through your Scarlett 18i20 and raise the mic pre count to 16 channels instead of 8.

Dual independent headphone buses allow you to route customizable monitor mixes, each with its own independent front-panel level control, to two users.

High-Quality Audio at Your Fingertips

Ensuring that you get the best quality audio into and out of your digital audio workstation (DAW) software, the Scarlett 18i20 is supported by Focusrite's precise digital conversion technology at sample rates up to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution. The audio interface works with all major DAWs.

USB 2.0 Connection for Mac, PC, iOS

The unit works with nearly any computer as well. Thanks to USB 2.0 connectivity, Focusrite's Scarlett 18i20 supports Mac and Windows PC computers and even iOS devices (with the Camera Connection Kit, not included).

Flexible Onboard Mixer

Giving you powerful routing and monitoring capabilities in the box, the audio interface comes with Scarlett MixControl software, which provides an ultra-flexible 18x16 DSP mixer. Scarlett MixControl lets you create up to six separate mono mixes or three stereo mixes, each of which are routable to any of the Scarlett 18i20's outputs. Enjoy re-routing your signal path any which way without having to mess with wires, and have some peace of mind knowing that you can save your mixes and recall them instantly.

Software Bundle

In addition to Scarlett MixControl, the Scarlett 18i20 comes with lots of other useful software: Ableton Live Lite production and performance software; the Scarlett Plug-in Suite with EQ, compression, gating, and reverb; the Novation Bass Station virtual synth; and 1 GB of free Loopmasters samples.

Focusrite's mic preamps are found in the world's top studios and give the 18i20 an unequalled level of performance, with low noise, minimal distortion and enormous dynamic range. The Scarlett preamps offer exceptional headroom, and two front-panel inputs also offer 10dB pad buttons to handle the highest-level inputs without distortion.

The ADAT interface can be used to bring in digital sources or to add extra preamps such as Focusrite's OctoPre Mk II, bringing the mic pre complement to 16 channels, ideal for recording a complete band and minimising overdubs.

Class leading digital conversion

This prodigious I/O capability is backed by Focusrite's class-leading precision digital conversion technology at sample rates up to 96 kHz, 24-bit, to ensure that you get the very highest quality into and out of your audio software -- all major DAWs are supported.

High channel count and Focusrite quality -- now on USB 2.0 and iOS

Scarlett 18i20 is the USB complement of the tried and tested Saffire PRO 40 Firewire interface. Suitable for Windows, Mac and even iOS (with the Camera Connection Kit*) platforms, Scarlett 18i20's USB 2.0 connection suits almost any computer, helping you build a setup in which external storage and audio interfaces do not have to share the same computer bus (recommended for the best performance) - if you have Firewire drives, for example, a USB audio interface is the best choice.

Features:

Eight high-quality award-winning Focusrite preamps
Scarlett 18i20 is the best sounding interface in its class. Focusrite's unparalleled reputation for audio excellence forms the foundation of this interface, with eight award-winning Focusrite preamps.

High-quality 24-bit/96kHz USB 2.0 interface compatible with Mac, Windows and iOS
Features high quality A-D / D-A at up to 96kHz, 24bit. Pristine audio quality and rock-solid synchronisation are guaranteed on Mac and Windows as well as driver-free operation on the iOS platform.

Unmatched routing flexibility
Scarlett 18i20 is the most flexible interface in its class, enabling you to intuitively adapt it immediately to the needs of any recording session. Route any input signal or DAW output, or a mix of both, to any output.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"More versatile than I envisioned"

Overall:
My computer related hobbies are widely varied. Up until the purchase of this 18i20, I had been fighting less than adequate hardware and software for audio needs. This interface, along with the downloadable software/driver, is incredibly capable and has solved to perfection most all of my audio related difficulties. I can tie anything/everything, hardware or software, in my audio arsenal, together with a little thought and the proper cables or patch cords. Plenty of audio ins and outs, data ports, and the ability to either patch or route it all makes this a great piece of equipment. As well, the audio quality is superior hardware-wise: Quiet ADCs, DACs and pre-amps, 24-bit/96k bandwidth, and an ASIO driver that does not complain or cause trouble. Works great with the newer versions (10 & 11) of Pro Tools. Documentation does not match up with the quality of the hardware and software.

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Awesome Sounding Interface!!"

Overall:
I originally bought the Saffire Pro 40 but returned it. I did a total upgrade to my entire home studio and ordered a new custom built computer with lots of USB ports. USB is a better way to go as far as compatibility and future upgrades are concerned. This interface is the best you can get in this price range IMHO. The Mic Pres are very clean and quiet. Even when maxed out. Lots of I/O. I am blown away by the sound and versatility of this unit. Converters are great too. Love the independent head phone outputs. That feature alone is a major plus for me. Driver's are rock solid. No glitches, pops or crackles which was a concern of mine with a USB interface and especially after going from flawless performance with Fire Wire. No worries though. This thing delivers the goods all around. I don't know why the RME UFX is so much more money but I'm willing to bet it won't sound or perform any better than this. You pay for the name I guess. Don't think twice. Just buy it.

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